For Parents

Frequently Asked Questions: Parents

1. I heard a report that there is a UK Student who has the Novel H1N1 virus. Should I come and get my son/daughter to take them home?

There have been cases of Novel H1N1 at UK. Currently, the cases (of which we are aware) have been limited and there should be no reason for your child to leave campus. The University is monitoring the situation closely and if the situation warrants will make the decision to temporarily suspend classes and/or other activities. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take basic precautions to stay healthy. Those include:

2. A student in my daughter's/son's residence hall has the H1N1 virus. Will this student be moved to another living situation until she/he is no longer contagious?

At this time, UK is encouraging any student who is sick to leave campus (to stay with relatives or friends) until they are well. We do know that this may not be an option for many students. Unfortunately, university housing is at capacity and relocating students is not an option. In those situations, the ill student will be instructed to stay in his/her room until well. If the ill student must leave his/her room (for the common bathroom.) he/she will be asked to wear a basic surgical mask to limit spreading the virus. Masks are available from both University Health Service as well as Residential Life staff. UK's custodial staff will also increase cleaning in the common areas where an ill student may have been.

3. What if I can't come to pick up my son/daughter when they are sick? Who will take care of them?

The CDC suggests that University students designate a "flu buddy." This person is someone that can check on them if they get sick, including dropping off needed supplies and food. The UK Dining Office is able to provide meals to the student's on-campus room if they are unable to visit dining facilities due to Novel H1N1. The student should call the Dining Services Administrative Offices at 257-6161 if they will need this service.

4. What will happen if my son/daughter has to miss class due to the Novel H1N1 virus? Will their absence be excused?

UK requests that anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms NOT attend any activities on campus, including class. All university faculty have been provided information about the Novel H1N1 virus and the possible affect it may have on class attendance so that they may be prepared in the event a student is absent for this reason. No matter the reason for the absence, it is the responsibility of each UK student to understand the class attendance/absence policy for every course in which they are enrolled andto promptly notify their instructors if they must be absent. Students are also responsible for completing/making-up any required course work.

5. I have provided my son/daughterwith hand sanitizer. Are there other preventative measures we can take? Should we get him/her a mask?

You do not need to provide your son/daughter with a mask. If an ill student requires a mask to limit the spreading of germs, the university can provide one. They are currently available through both University Health Service as well as Residential Life staff. We do encourage you to remind your son/daughter about the basic steps of staying healthy (see question 1 above).

In the event that your son/daughter does get sick, UK suggests that they have a "flu kit" on hand that includes the following:

Decongestant for stuffy nose (use only if no history of stroke, insomnia, high blood pressure)

Hand sanitizer

Sanitary wipes with bleach

Sports drink, soup mix, bottled water

6. What cleaning products should my son/daughter use to sanitize their living space?

According to the CDC website: "To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time." Additional cleaning circumstances to consider include the following:

Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.

Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid "hugging" dirty laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some suggested products to use for cleaning and sanitizing include the following:

UK Alert- this is UK's emergency notification system. Parents may register to receive messages at www.uky.edu/ukalert.

Additionally, the UK Parents' Association will continue to share up to date information through their "Cat Chat" e-mail newsletters. To register to receive "Cat Chat," go to www.uky.edu/parents.

8. Should my daughter/son go to the University Health Service or the hospital if she/he suspects she/he has the Novel H1N1 virus?

If your son/daughter feels ill, he/she may contact University Health Service. They may call the nurse at 323-INFO (4636) or make an appointment at 323-APPT (2778).

9. Can my son/daughter get antiviral medications from the health center (UHS) if he/she is diagnosed with Novel H1N1 on campus?

UHS has the ability to provide antiviral medications to ill students. The physician will make that decision based on his/her diagnosis.

10. What plans does the University have in place to ensure my daughter /son does not get unnecessarily exposed to the virus?

The University's Pandemic Planning Working Group has been meeting regularly since April 2009 to review/update UK's Pandemic Plan. The University is focusing on educating all UK community members on how to stay healthy: